There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken soup to warm you up from the inside out, but let me tell you, my smoky BBQ chicken soup takes comfort food to a whole new level! I first whipped up this recipe on a chilly Sunday when I was craving something hearty but still wanted to keep it healthy. The moment that smoky paprika hit the sautéed veggies, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. This isn’t just any chicken soup, it’s packed with protein, loaded with immune-boosting ingredients, and has that irresistible BBQ flavor that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re fighting off a cold, watching your calories, or just need a quick weeknight meal, this smoky BBQ chicken soup has become my go-to solution.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup
Let me count the ways this smoky BBQ chicken soup will become your new favorite comfort food:
- Weeknight lifesaver, Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s faster than ordering takeout but so much better for you
- Flavor bomb, That perfect balance of smoky paprika and tangy BBQ sauce makes every spoonful irresistible
- Immune-boosting powerhouse, Packed with garlic, carrots, and chicken broth, it’s my go-to healthy chicken soup recipe when cold season hits
- Diet-friendly, Just swap in sugar-free BBQ sauce for a keto chicken soup that tastes indulgent
- Nutrition packed, At just 280 calories per bowl, it’s guilt-free comfort food that keeps you full for hours
Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again because it just works. The smoky aroma alone will have your family gathered around the kitchen before you can say “dinner’s ready!”
PrintSmoky BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe: 5-Star Comfort in 40 Minutes
A hearty smoky BBQ chicken soup packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for cold days, immune support, or a satisfying low-calorie meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sugar-free for keto)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (5 mins).
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink (7 mins).
- Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in smoked paprika and cumin.
- Simmer for 20 mins until chicken is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use sugar-free BBQ sauce for keto or low-carb versions.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini for more nutrients.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed smoky BBQ chicken soup, I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your kitchen! The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, For that perfect sauté (trust me, don’t skimp on this!)
- 1 medium onion, diced, About 1 cup, and yes, the tears are worth it
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, Fresh is best for that immune-boosting punch
- 2 carrots, sliced, About 1 cup, cut them thin so they cook evenly
- 2 celery stalks, chopped, Don’t skip these, they add such great texture
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed, Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking
- 4 cups chicken broth, I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, Your favorite brand, or sugar-free for keto
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, With juices for extra liquid gold
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, The secret to that deep, smoky flavor
- 1 tsp cumin, Adds warmth without being spicy
- Salt and pepper to taste, I always taste before adding more
See? Nothing fancy, just real food that comes together to create something truly special. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup
Now for the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into the most incredible smoky BBQ chicken soup you’ve ever tasted! Don’t let the amazing flavor fool you, it’s seriously easy to make. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of comfort ready in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery all at once. Oh, that sizzle! That’s the sound of flavor building.
Stir everything around with a wooden spoon, letting the veggies soften and get friendly with each other. This should take about 5 minutes, you’re looking for the onions to turn translucent and the carrots to just start losing their crunch. The smell at this point? Absolute magic. That garlic and onion combo is the base of so many great dishes, and it’s working its charm here too.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next up, the star of our smoky BBQ chicken soup! Take your cubed chicken breast (I like 1-inch pieces) and add it right to the pot with the softened veggies. Spread the pieces out in a single layer as best you can, this helps them cook evenly.
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get some color on one side, then give everything a good stir. Keep cooking until there’s no pink left, about 7 minutes total. Pro tip: If your chicken pieces stick a bit when you first add them, don’t panic! Just give them another minute before stirring, they’ll release when they’re ready.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Here’s where our smoky BBQ chicken soup really comes together! Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and that can of diced tomatoes with all its juices. The liquid should just cover everything, if it looks a bit shy, add a splash more broth.
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin, these spices are going to make your kitchen smell incredible. Give everything a thorough stir, then let it come to a gentle bubble. Reduce the heat to low, pop on the lid (leaving it slightly ajar), and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This is when all the flavors marry and the chicken becomes perfectly tender.
Just before serving, taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a pinch more smoked paprika if I want extra smokiness. And that’s it, your smoky BBQ chicken soup is ready to warm some bellies!
Tips for Perfect Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup
After making this smoky BBQ chicken soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh my goodness, give me the recipe!” good:
- BBQ sauce matters, For keto friends, grab sugar-free BBQ sauce (my local store carries at least 3 brands now!). Regular works great too, just taste before adding salt since some sauces are already salty.
- Smoke control, Love that campfire vibe? Add an extra 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Too intense? Cut back to 1/2 tsp and let the BBQ sauce do more work.
- Veggie boost, Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or even cauliflower florets during the last 10 minutes of simmering. They add nutrients without overpowering the smoky goodness.
- Texture tip, If you like thicker soup, mash some of the cooked carrots against the pot’s side before serving, instant natural thickener!
- Fresh finish, Right before serving, I sometimes stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright pop of color and flavor.
Remember, recipes are guidelines, not rules! Make this smoky BBQ chicken soup your own. If you enjoy this kind of hearty, flavorful meal, you might also enjoy my recipe for Rustic Farmhouse Chicken Stew Soup.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup Variations
One of my favorite things about this smoky BBQ chicken soup is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood or dietary needs! Here are my go-to variations that keep things exciting:
- Creamy Dreamy Version, Stir in 1/2 cup of full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of simmering for a rich, velvety texture that’s still dairy-free. The coconut subtly mellows the smokiness in the most delicious way.
- Spicy Kick, Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper with the other spices, or throw in some diced jalapeños when sautéing the veggies. My husband loves it with both, talk about a sinus clearer!
- Garden-Packed, Double up on carrots and celery, then add 1 cup each of diced zucchini and bell peppers when you add the broth. It becomes almost stew-like and packed with veggie goodness.
- Protein Boost, Sometimes I’ll add a can of rinsed black beans or chickpeas for extra fiber and plant-based protein. Just drain them well and add with the broth.
The best part? These variations all start with that same amazing smoky BBQ chicken soup base, so you can’t go wrong! For another comforting chicken soup option, check out the Comfort Classic Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup
Now that you’ve got this incredible smoky BBQ chicken soup ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up right! My absolute favorite way is with a big hunk of crusty whole grain bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that smoky broth. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toast the bread with a little garlic butter first. Oh my! For more ideas on pairing comfort food, visit Family Tastes.
For a lighter meal, try topping each bowl with creamy avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The cool creaminess balances the smokiness beautifully. And when I want to make it a complete meal? A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette does the trick every time. The contrast between the warm, rich soup and fresh salad is just *chef’s kiss* perfection!
Storing and Reheating Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup
Here’s the best part about this smoky BBQ chicken soup, it tastes even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze it? Go ahead! Just leave about an inch of space at the top of your container since liquids expand when frozen.
When reheating, I always prefer the stovetop, just warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too (use 30-second bursts and stir in between). Pro tip: Add a splash of broth if it thickens up in the fridge. The smoky flavors will still shine! If you enjoy quick meals, you might also like this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup Recipe.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup Nutrition
One of the things I love most about this smoky BBQ chicken soup is how nutritious it is while tasting completely indulgent! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per generous bowl (about 1.5 cups), though keep in mind actual values may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients:
- 280 calories, Perfect for a satisfying meal that won’t wreck your diet
- 25g protein, Thanks to all that lean chicken keeping you full for hours
- 22g carbs, Mostly from the veggies and BBQ sauce (use sugar-free for fewer carbs)
- 3g fiber, Those carrots and celery working their magic
- 9g fat, Mostly healthy fats from the olive oil
- 720mg sodium, Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt intake
What really makes this smoky BBQ chicken soup special nutritionally? It’s packed with immune-boosting garlic, vitamin A-rich carrots, and protein that helps repair tissues. The tomatoes add lycopene, and all those spices? They’re loaded with antioxidants. Comfort food that loves you back!
Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup FAQ
I get asked about this smoky BBQ chicken soup all the time, here are answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen and inbox!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! I actually prefer thighs sometimes, they stay extra juicy and add richer flavor. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would with breasts. They might need an extra minute or two of cooking time since they’re a bit thicker.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
With one simple swap, yes! Use sugar-free BBQ sauce (look for ones sweetened with monk fruit or stevia) and you’ve got yourself a fantastic keto chicken soup. The natural sugars in the carrots and tomatoes stay low enough to keep it keto-approved.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Oh, I love this question! For heat that builds, add 1/4 tsp cayenne with the other spices. Want instant kick? Stir in some diced jalapeños with the veggies or top servings with sliced fresh jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce at the table lets everyone customize their bowl.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Sauté the veggies first (trust me, it makes a difference), then dump everything into your crockpot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender this way! For another slow cooker option, check out the Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe.
Now that you’re armed with all the smoky BBQ chicken soup know-how, I can’t wait for you to try it! Snap a pic of your creation and tag me, I love seeing your kitchen adventures!